Zyrtec and weight gain

Wow! My husband and I have thought recently maybe I should stop using Zyrtec. Maybe it is causing my lethargy, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, inability to work for more than an hour doing anything, intense hunger. I have taken Zyrtec year round for several years since living in Santa Fe where I developed bad allergies. There I took it in conjunction with Nasonex. After leaving there I couldn't afford it so I switched to day hist but I started sneezing and had an itchy nose constantly. Sinus infections also. So I started Zyrtec full time a few years ago. I can't lose weight to save my life and have no energy. Depression-yes. I would never have thought I would experience that. My journals are full of it. But I thought it all was because of "the change" because I was under the impression there weren't any side effects. But I am all organic and still struggling with trying not to gain anymore weight. I have a terrible time just trying to clean one room without feeling wasted! I don't look forward to stopping but I have got to see if this is affecting me this way, Thanks to all. I want me back!

I love the fact that Zyrtec works wonders for my allergies, but not how it makes me feel. It effects everyone differently that is for sure.
I have been severe with my mood swings and soooooo tired even if I have taken it at night. I can't recall any weight gain over the past year because I have been on a diet. I have had the heart flutters, nausea and dizziness. The worst I can say though is the aggressive behavior, very easy to snap and crazy thoughts. This is not good when you are a stay at home mom with a 3 year old and 1 year old. I have recently taken myself off of it and feel happier and so do my kids. If you or someone you know has to take it please take notice if any of these side effect occur and switch meds. It affects not only you, but the ones you love around you.
I would rather sneeze.
As for withdrawals; I get severe headaches, sleeplessness, and itchy.

I am a 52 year old female. I've been using Zyrtec for four months, at first PRN, then for the last eight weeks daily. I also take Norvasc and Atenolol for BP. I was already experiencing slight swelling in my ankles presumably from the Norvasc, and I have been gaining weight steadily since starting the Atenolol in December. I have had overwhelming fatigue during exercise to the point that I can hardly finish a one hour Jazzercise class (which I have attended on a regular basis for over 20 years.) All symptoms I've blamed on the BP meds, especially the Atenolol.

I began complaining to my doc about the symptoms and had a complete blood work up to rule out other diseases that cause these symptoms. He suggested Weight Watchers and increased exercise to battle the weight gain, and reduced the Atenolol to half dose to over come the these issues. I didn't think to tell him about the Zyrtec I had started taking OTC.

I began careful monitoring of calorie intake and increased my Jazzercise classes in an attempt to lose weight with no success. In fact, the weight continued to increase.

This week, the swelling in my ankles increased to the point where you can not recognize them and the swelling has now included my feet. They are so puffy the toes are connected and you can make a deep impression with your finger in the skin. I decided to stop the Zyrtec and found the swelling to stop immediately. Even the slight ankle swelling has abated.

I started searching the web for contraindications between Zyrtec and the BP meds. None of the drug sites offer any negative side effects The Zyrtec site gives no info at all. After reading the many experiences here and on another site, I think the Zyrtec is to blame for all of my symptoms. I have not asked the doc about his opinion, but will inform him at my next appointment.

Is any one having menstrual problems? I have had a lot of cramping and little to no flow-which is unusual for me-I feel like I am constantly PMS-ing
and I want to eat all the time! The allergy problem is gone but my ovaries
are killing me and Im gaining weight!

I took Zyrtec for a few years for severe mold and pollen allergies. I loved the drug as it controlled my allergies much better than Allegra or Claritin. However, I recently stopped taking it after realizing it was causing dizzy spells, drowsiness/constant tiredness and heart flutters. Since I stopped taking it I have lost 6 pounds without making any alterations to my diet and exercising less than normal. This leads me to believe that my weight gain of 30 pounds in the last few years was also part of zyrtec's side effects.

My boyfriend has had a difficult time on the zyrtec. He complains of weight gain, depression, and has had terrible trouble with his heart, difficulty breathing. He's not going to take it anymore.